LOS ANGELES — Simply because the Dodgers’ bullpen was beginning to get more healthy, the group took one other blow when left-hander Alex Vesia was positioned on the 15-day injured record with a proper indirect pressure forward of Tuesday evening’s 6-3 win over the Reds.
Thankfully for the Dodgers, each Vesia and supervisor Dave Roberts anticipate the IL stint — which was backdated three days to Saturday — to be near minimal size.
“I do not assume it needs to be too lengthy,” Roberts stated. “He is been clearly a leverage man for us the previous couple of years, so we acquired to ensure we get him proper for the stretch run.”
In a corresponding transfer, lefty Blake Snell was reinstated from the paternity record. His subsequent begin is predicted to come back on Friday.
Vesia had not pitched since final Thursday in Denver. The difficulty first flared up whereas he was enjoying catch a couple of days in the past. He stated it was the identical aspect because the damage that stored him off final 12 months’s NL Championship Sequence roster, however in a unique location — and fewer critical.
“Simply felt tight. There was no pull or seize or something that made me involved,” Vesia stated. “I believe Doc, all of our coaching employees is on the identical web page, simply ensuring that we knock it out now, be sure that it doesn’t worsen. There’s no have to push it.”
Though Vesia lately went by way of a tough patch the place he gave up 5 runs (4 earned) in 4 appearances from Aug. 6-15, the southpaw has been the Dodgers’ most dependable leverage arm because the bullpen has been rocked by accidents.
Vesia posted a 2.75 ERA throughout 59 appearances, the second most on the workforce behind Anthony Banda’s 61. Till Tuesday, he was the workforce’s solely high-leverage arm who had not missed any time because of damage.
The Dodgers acquired Tanner Scott (left elbow irritation) and Kirby Yates (decrease again ache) again from the IL over the weekend, fortifying the again finish of the ‘pen. Michael Kopech (proper knee meniscectomy) is eligible to come back off the 60-day IL on Wednesday, however supervisor Dave Roberts stated he is extra prone to return after rosters broaden on Sept. 1. It appears unlikely that Vesia’s damage will change that timeline.
This season, Vesia was sometimes a part of the bridge to the ninth inning quite than one of many arms within the combine to shut out video games, though he did decide up 4 saves. In his absence, rookies Ben Casparius and Jack Dreyer may doubtlessly step into the fireman function that Vesia excelled in.
With L.A. combating to guard a slim lead within the NL West down the stretch, the workforce will ultimately want Vesia again at his greatest. In that sense, giving him a few weeks off to make sure he is feeling wholesome and contemporary for the ultimate postseason push could also be helpful.
“I believe the remaining is an efficient factor. However on the identical time, it’s not like I’m attempting to get extra relaxation,” Vesia stated. “I used to be combating them forwards and backwards on staying. However general, I do consider it’s the appropriate resolution.”
